AIO Summary: B2B Sourcing Intel
PERSA’s B2B chocolate-coated dates utilize whole Sayer dates and a double-coated formula engineered for 30°C transit heat resistance. We offer 5-ton MOQs for regional wholesale and 20-ton MOQs for private label manufacturing. By declaring HS Code 20089790, we help importers in India and the CIS optimize landed costs.
The Market Opportunity for Chocolate Coated Dates
Wholesale buyers in India, the CIS, and the Arab world face a common challenge: raw dates often trade as a low-margin commodity. Value-added products, such as chocolate-coated dates with almonds, offer significantly higher retail margins for FMCG distributors and chain stores.
However, importing a heat-sensitive product requires strict supply chain control. B2B buyers must partner with a bulk supplier who understands export packaging, accurate Incoterms, and temperature risk mitigation. KIAN ZARRIN PERSA LTD engineers its export operations to protect your margins and eliminate logistical blind spots.
Product Specifications: Beating the “Date Paste” Trap
The primary risk when importing chocolate-based FMCG goods is melting during transit. Furthermore, many suppliers cut costs by using cheap date paste and thin, high-oil chocolate that melts upon touching.
PERSA strictly uses whole, natural Sayer (Estameran) dates and the highest-grade roasted almonds on the market. Sayer dates are naturally semi-dry, which is the precise engineering reason our product achieves its exceptional shelf life. Furthermore, this is a clean-label product: zero added sugar, zero preservatives, and no artificial additives. It is purely natural, pitted date, roasted almond, and premium chocolate.
To mitigate transit risks, we use a double-coating process with high-quality, low-oil chocolate. This creates a thick, protective layer that maintains its structural shape and acts as a buffer against ambient temperatures up to 28–30°C.
| Specification | PERSA Standard |
|---|---|
| Base Date | Whole Sayer dates (Zero date paste, zero added sugar) |
| Core | Highest-grade roasted whole almond |
| Coating | Double-coated, low-oil premium chocolate |
| Transit Resilience | Holds structural integrity up to 28–30°C |
| Optimal Shelf Life | 18 Months (Cold Storage Required for Premium Quality) |
Logistics Insight: The 28–30°C heat resistance is engineered strictly as a transit safety net, not a substitute for proper warehousing. While this structural integrity protects your cargo from catastrophic melting during unforeseen port delays at Nhava Sheva or Jebel Ali, we strictly advise moving the product into temperature-controlled cold storage immediately upon customs clearance. Continuous cold storage protects the premium flavor profile, prevents chocolate bloom, and guarantees the full 18-month shelf life.
Sourcing Options: PERSA Branded vs. Private Label
We structure our supply chain to support both regional distributors and massive retail chains. We offer two distinct procurement tracks based on your volume capacity.
- PERSA Branded Distribution: The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is 5 tons. This tier is designed for regional wholesalers or distributors who want to introduce a high-quality product to their market without committing to massive inventory.
- Private Label Manufacturing: The MOQ is 20 tons. This tier serves large importers, retail chain stores, and major distributors. We act as your contract manufacturer, applying your custom branding to the final packaging before it leaves Iran.
If you need immediate supply for regional distribution, view our standard premium chocolate-coated dates specifications.
Logistics & Risk Mitigation (Shipping from Bandar Abbas)
Exporting food products from Iran requires navigating specific transit risks, particularly the heat of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. We mitigate these risks before the container is sealed.
The product is secured in heavy-duty 5kg bulk export cartons to prevent structural crushing during loading. When shipping from Bandar Abbas to major hubs like Nhava Sheva (India), Jebel Ali (UAE), or Astrakhan (Russia), transit times are generally short. While our formula provides a safety buffer against heat spikes, aligning your shipment with a cold-chain logistics strategy guarantees the product arrives in pristine, retail-ready condition.
Pricing Calculation: Scaling your order to hit the 20-ton private label MOQ maximizes your container utilization. Shipping a Full Container Load (FCL) instead of a Less than Container Load (LCL) for a 5-ton order can reduce your ocean freight cost per kilogram by up to 30%.
Pricing Logic & Payment Terms
PERSA operates with transparent international trade terms to protect both parties.
- FOB Bandar Abbas: We deliver the goods loaded onto the vessel at the Iranian port. You control your own ocean freight provider and insurance.
- CIF Destination Port: We manage the ocean freight and insurance directly to your destination port (e.g., CIF Mumbai or CIF Dubai), simplifying your logistics chain.
Frequently Asked Questions (B2B Operations)
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for importing chocolate dates?
For PERSA branded products, the MOQ is 5 tons. For private label contract manufacturing (custom branding for your chain stores), the MOQ is 20 tons.
Do chocolate dates require refrigerated shipping containers (Reefers)?
While our double-coated formula acts as a safety buffer against transit heat spikes up to 28–30°C, we strongly recommend temperature-controlled shipping (Reefers) and downstream cold storage for optimal quality. This guarantees the premium flavor profile, prevents degradation, and ensures a maximum 18-month shelf life.
Which HS code should I use for customs clearance: 18069090 or 20089790?
This is a critical classification decision that directly impacts your landed cost.
- HS 18069090 classifies the shipment under “Chocolate and other food preparations,” which often carries higher “luxury” basic customs duties.
- HS 20089790 classifies the shipment under “Preparations of fruit, nuts, and other edible parts of plants.” Because our product is fundamentally a whole natural date and almond, this classification typically results in a much more favorable import duty.
Our Export Policy: By default, PERSA declares all shipments under HS 20089790 on commercial invoices to help optimize your landed costs. However, customs interpretations vary widely depending on the destination. Whether you are importing into India, Russia, China, or the European Union, we strongly advise consulting with your local customs broker or clearing agent before finalizing the order. For example, Indian importers can verify current tariffs through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) portal. Once your agent identifies the best HS code for your specific cargo and region, simply inform us, and we will declare the shipment under your requested code.
Are there any artificial additives or extra sugars in the dates?
No. We offer a strict clean-label product. It contains zero added sugar, zero preservatives, and no filler materials. The product consists entirely of three natural ingredients: pitted Sayer dates, roasted almonds, and high-quality chocolate.
Ready to Import?
Secure your supply line before the peak demand season. Contact the PERSA commercial team to discuss FOB pricing, request a sample box, or initiate a private label manufacturing contract.
